Brendan is an amazing dancer. A lot of the sneering at him is basic favouritism and ageism. Shirley clearly has her favourites. She was bit sharp with Giovanni too.
Brendan didn't respond well at all. He has a tendency to over protect his partners - even when they don't need it. And he has fire in his belly. But he is 100% nicer and less attention seeking than the Jordans.
Shirley's behaviour , stirring things up on Twitter lacks grace.